Why Batwoman shouldn’t replace Kate Kane as its lead character

It looks like Batwoman won’t just be replacing Ruby Rose, but will be casting an entirely new main character after her departure. Here’s why they shouldn’t.

The CW’s Batwoman had a rocky start, and although the series seemed to have finally found its footing during its more recent episodes, the departure of its lead actress could force the show to face that same struggle all over again. Following the impromtu first season finale, it was revealed that Ruby Rose would be leaving the show, meaning a new Kate Kane would be in order before filming for season two begins.

But recent reports suggest that it won’t just be the lead actress that will be replaced. It seems as though The CW will be foregoing Kate Kane’s story altogether, shifting Batwoman‘s focus to an all-new character donning the Batsuit … which is a weird development to say the least.

Given that fans are aware of the recasting, it would have been easy — if a bit jarring — to put a new actress in Kate Kane’s shoes and call it a day. We would have gotten used to it. But a new character throws a wrench into the mix, most notably because following someone else would undo all of the setup season one worked so hard to put in place.

And let’s face it, most of that setup had to do with character relationships. Sure, Batwoman‘s plot is okay, but the interactions between characters have always been the true meat of the show. And one has to wonder what will happen to the existing cast of characters now that Kate isn’t the central focus of the series anymore. Does Alice make an interesting villain without seeking revenge against her sister? Does it matter if Jacob hates Batwoman when it isn’t his daughter beneath the mask? And will Mary even still be part of Team Batwoman?

Undoing all of the tensions between these characters is disappointing to say the least, but it’s hard to see how they could manage to keep these storylines going without Kate at the center of it all. It’s also going to be a doozy explaining Kate’s disappearance, especially while keeping her friends and family members in the mix. Did she just up and leave without any of them asking questions?

And while the plot may not be the primary reason fans like me watch the series, there’s also the big twist at the end of season one to consider. Will it even matter now that Kate’s out of the picture? Will the show even pursue Tommy Elliot masquerading as Bruce Wayne? If creating a new main character is the route the show chooses to go, it’s essentially retconning it’s own first season — which means the plot may go in a totally different direction, leaving fans with an unsatisfying conclusion to all those plot points season one built up.

Unsatisfying is going to be the word many fans throw around when it comes to this decision, because the majority have become invested in Kate Kane’s character and story. Without Kate, Batwoman will need to do the exhausting work of creating an all-new series … and at that rate, why not just make a new show? (The Reddit description of the new lead character — which hasn’t been confirmed as official — reads more like Catwoman anyway….)

What do you think of Batwoman focusing on an all-new main character for season two? Share your thoughts in the comments below!